WO2006064614A1

WO2006064614A1 - Movement guiding device and method of lubricating the same

Info

Publication number: WO2006064614A1
Application number: PCT/JP2005/019983
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hidekazu Michioka; Masahiko Yoshino
Original assignee: Thk Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2004-12-17
Filing date: 2005-10-31
Publication date: 2006-06-22
Also published as: EP1835187A1; TW200624688A; JP4927564B2; CN101080580B; JPWO2006064614A1; EP1835187A4; CN101080580A; EP1835187B1; US8070360B2; KR20070094626A; KR101229651B1; TWI358495B; US20090252442A1

Abstract

A movement guiding device capable of maintaining a lubrication performance over a long period by lubricating the rolling surfaces of rolling elements by using a method completely different from a conventional lubrication method and a method of lubricating the movement guiding device. The movement guiding device for vacuum environment comprises a rail member (1) having a rolling element rolling part (1a), a moving member (2) having rolling element circulation passages including loaded rolling element rolling parts (2a) facing the rolling element rolling part (1a) and movable relative to the rail member (1), a plurality of rolling elements (3) arranged in the rolling element circulation passage, and a lubricating oil storage member fitted to the moving member (2) without coming into contact with the rail member (1) and storing a lubricating oil. The lubricating oil storage member is exposed to a space between the rail member (1) and the moving member. The vaporized lubricating oil reaches the rolling element rolling part (1a), the loaded rolling element rolling parts (2a), and the rolling elements (3) for lubricating these parts.

Description

Specification

Motion guide device and lubrication method for motion guide device

Technical field

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to a motion guide device such as a reduction guide, a ball spline, and a ball screw in which rolling elements such as balls and rollers are interposed between a raceway member and a moving member, and a lubrication method for the motion guide device.

Background art

[0002] A motion guide device that performs a guide function by rolling motion of a rolling element via a rolling element such as a ball or a roller is used at a guide portion of a moving object that performs linear motion. When using this motion guide device, it is necessary to provide good lubrication to the rolling elements and the rolling element rolling surfaces on which the rolling elements roll. If it is used without lubrication, it may increase the wear of the rolling part or cause early flaking.

[0003] The applicant has attached a lubrication device "QZ (registered trademark of THK)" to both ends of the moving member of the motion guide device, and a lubrication method for supplying a small amount of lubricating oil only to the rolling element rolling surface. (For example, see Patent Document 1). The inside of this lubrication device includes a high oil storage body for storing lubricating oil, a high density storage body for applying the lubricating oil to the rolling surface, and a lubricating oil supplied from the high oil storage body to the high density storage body. It is comprised from the oil quantity adjustment board which adjusts a flow volume. The lubrication oil supply operation is based on the capillary action used in felt pens. According to this lubricating method, since a small amount of lubricating oil can be applied to the rolling element rolling surface, the lubricating performance can be maintained over a long period of time.

Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2004-3545

Disclosure of the invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

[0004] The present invention can lubricate the rolling element rolling surface by a method completely different from the conventional lubrication method, and can maintain the lubrication performance for a longer period of time and lubrication of the motion guide device It aims to provide a method.

Means for solving the problem [0005] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described. In order to facilitate understanding of the present invention, reference numerals on the attached drawings are appended in parentheses, but the present invention is not limited to the illustrated form.

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the invention according to claim 1 is directed to a raceway member (1) having a rolling element rolling part (la) and the rolling element rolling part (la). A moving member (2) having a loaded rolling element rolling part (2a) and movable relative to the raceway member (1), the rolling element rolling part (la), and the loaded rolling element rolling part. A plurality of rolling elements (3) arranged between the running parts (2a) and the moving member (2) without contacting the track member (1), the track member (1) and the track member (1) A lubricating oil storage member (15) that is exposed to a space between the moving member (2) and stores the lubricating oil, and the vaporized lubricating oil includes the rolling element rolling portion (la) and the load rolling element. By reaching the rolling part (2 a) and the rolling element (3), they are lubricated.

[0007] The invention according to claim 2 is the motion guide device according to claim 1, wherein the exercise plan device is further provided on the moving member (2), and the track member (1) and the moving device are provided. A clearance seal (5, 6) that closes the clearance between the member (2) and the lubricant storage member (15) includes the raceway member (1), the moving member (2), and the clearance seal (5 , 6) It is characterized in that it is placed in a sealed space.

[0008] The invention according to claim 3 is the motion guide apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the lubricating oil storage member (15) is a nonwoven fabric or a porous material force.

[0009] The invention according to claim 4 is the motion guide device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the track member (1) is a track rail (1) having an upper surface and a side surface. The moving member (2) has a central portion (4a) facing the upper surface of the track rail (1) and a leg portion (4b) facing the side surface, and is formed in a bowl shape as a whole. The lubricating oil storage member (15) is provided between the lower surface of the central portion (4a) of the moving member (2) and the upper surface of the track member (1).

[0010] The invention according to claim 5 is the motion guide device according to claim 4, wherein the clearance seal (5, 6) is provided at the end of the moving member (2) in the moving direction. The end clearance seal (5) provided without contacting (1) and the leg (4b) of the moving member (2) provided without contacting the track member (1) Direction of movement of member (2) And a side clearance seal (6) extending from one end to the other end.

[0011] The invention according to claim 6 is the motion guide apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the motion guide apparatus is used in a vacuum environment.

[0012] The invention according to claim 7 includes a rolling element rolling portion (la) of the race member (1) and a load rolling element of the moving member (2) that moves relative to the race member (1). A lubrication method for a motion guide device in which a rolling element (3) is interposed between a rolling part (2a) and in a sealed space between the moving member (2) and the track member (1) In addition, the lubricating oil storage member (15) for storing the lubricating oil is exposed, and the vaporized lubricating oil is transferred to the rolling element rolling part (la), the loaded rolling element rolling part (2a), and the rolling element (3 The above-mentioned problems are solved by the lubrication method of the motion guide device characterized in that these are lubricated.

The invention's effect

[0013] According to the invention described in claim 1, since the lubricating oil stored in the lubricating oil storage member is vaporized and reaches the rolling elements and the rolling element rolling parts, these can be lubricated. Since the liquid lubricating oil is once vaporized, the lubricating performance can be maintained over a long period of time.

[0014] According to the invention described in claim 2, since the vaporized lubricating oil is filled in the sealed space, the rolling elements and the rolling element rolling portions can be effectively lubricated, and the lubrication can be performed over a long period of time. Performance can be maintained.

[0015] According to the invention of claim 3, the lubricating oil can be stored in a state where it can be easily vaporized.

[0016] According to the invention described in claim 4, since the vaporized lubricating oil flows from the upper surface to the side surface of the raceway member, the rolling element rolling portion can be lubricated uniformly.

[0017] According to the invention described in claim 5, a force S can be formed to form a sealed space around the lubricating oil storage member. In addition, the end clearance seal and side clearance seal do not come into contact with the raceway member, so no dust is generated due to wear.

[0018] According to the invention of claim 6, the lubricating oil can be easily vaporized.

[0019] According to the invention of claim 7, the lubricating oil stored in the lubricating oil storage member is vaporized.

Since they reach the rolling elements and the rolling element rolling part, they can be lubricated. Liquid Since the lubricating oil is once vaporized, the lubricating performance can be maintained over a long period of time. Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a motion guide apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[Figure 2] Side view of the above motion guide device

[Fig. 3] Front view of the above motion guide device (including a partial cross-sectional view)

[Figure 4] Detailed view of lubricating oil storage member (Figure (A) is a cross-sectional view along line A_A in Figure (B), Figure (B) is a plan view)

[Fig.5] Diagram showing the flow of vaporized lubricant in a sealed space

[Figure 6] Front view of the motion guidance device

[Fig.7] Disassembled perspective view of end clearance seal

[Fig. 8] Diagram showing stacked end clearance seals (Fig. (A) shows a front view, Fig. (B) shows a cross-sectional view along line B-B in (A), and Fig. (C) shows in (A). C--C cross-sectional view is shown, and Figure (D) shows a detailed view of part D of (C))

[Figure 9] Front view showing side clearance seals attached to moving block

[Fig.10] Perspective view of side clearance seal

[Fig. 11] Diagram showing the clearance between the side clearance seal and the track rail

[Figure 12] Diagram showing another example of side clearance seal (attached to moving block)

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing another example of the side clearance seal.

[Fig.14] Front view showing another example of side clearance seal (including partially enlarged view)

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing still another example of the side clearance seal.

[Fig.16] Front view of still another example of side clearance seal

Explanation of symbols

[0021] 1 ... Track rail (Track member)

la- · · Ball rolling groove (rolling element rolling part)

2… Moving member

2a- · 'Loaded ball rolling groove (Loaded ball rolling part)

3… Ball (rolling element)

4 ... Movement block 4a… central part

4b ... Leg

5 ·· 'End clearance seal (clearance seal)

6, 31, 33 · · · Side Sino-Shinore

15 ··· Lubricant storage material

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

1 to 3 show a motion guide apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of the motion guide device, Fig. 2 shows a side view, and Fig. 3 shows a front view (including a partial cross-section). The motion guide device of this embodiment is called a linear guide, and is movably assembled via a track rail 1 as a linearly extending track member and a plurality of balls 3 as rolling elements on the track rail 1. The moving member 2 is provided.

[0023] Ball rolling grooves la are formed on the left and right side surfaces of the track rail 1 as rolling element rolling portions extending along the longitudinal direction. The ball rolling groove la has an arc shape in cross section, and has a radius of curvature slightly larger than the radius of the ball 3. In this embodiment, a total of four ball rolling grooves la are provided on the left and right side surfaces of the track rail 1, two on the upper and lower sides. Of course, the number and arrangement of the strips are variously set according to the load load.

[0024] The moving member 2 includes a moving block 4 in which a ball circulation path including a loaded ball rolling groove 2a facing the ball rolling groove la is formed, and clearance seals 5 and 6 attached to the moving block 4. Composed. The clearance seal is divided into an end clearance seal 5 attached to both end faces in the moving direction of the moving block and a side clearance seal 6 attached to the side of the moving block.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 3, the entire moving block 4 is formed in a bowl shape, and has a central portion 4a facing the upper surface of the track rail 1, and extends downward from both left and right sides of the central portion 4a. Leg portions 4b opposite to the left and right sides of the.

A plurality of balls 3 are interposed between the ball rolling groove la of the track rail 1 and the load ball rolling groove 2 a of the moving block 4. A preload is applied to the ball 3 rolling on the loaded ball rolling groove between the ball rolling groove la and the loaded ball rolling groove 2a. The ball 3 rolled while receiving a load to one end of the load ball rolling path of the moving block 4 is the end plate 7 ( Enter the U-shaped direction change path provided in Figure 1). After passing through the U-shaped direction change path, the ball enters the no-load ball return path 8 (see Fig. 3) extending parallel to the load ball rolling path. The ball 3 that has passed through the unloaded ball return path 8 passes through the direction change path of the opposite end plate 7 and then enters the loaded ball rolling path again. A circuit-shaped ball circulation path is formed by the straight loaded ball rolling path, the U-shaped direction changing path, and the straight unloaded ball return path 8.

As shown in FIG. 3, a lubricating oil storage member 15 that stores lubricating oil is disposed between the lower surface of the central portion 4a of the moving block 4 and the upper surface of the track rail. The lubricating oil storage member 15 is attached to the lower surface of the central portion 4a via a joining means such as a screw 16. The lubricating oil storage member 15 is exposed in the space between the moving block 4 and the track rail 1. Moving block 4 force S When assembled on the track rail, the lubricant storage member 15 does not contact the track rail 1 and the ball 3. On the other hand, when the moving block 4 is detached from the track rail 1, the edge 1 7 of the ball rolling groove la of the track rail 1 and the end of the lubricating oil storage member 15 are provided so that the ball 3 can be prevented from falling off. Hold ball 3 with 15a. For this reason, the distance between the end a of the lubricating oil storage member 15 and the edge 17 of the ball rolling groove l a of the track rail 1 is set slightly smaller than the diameter of the ball 3.

FIG. 4 shows a detailed view of the lubricating oil storage member 15. The lubricating oil storage member 15 is formed, for example, by bending and pressing a plate-like nonwoven fabric along the shape of the lower surface of the central portion 4a of the moving block 4. Both end portions 15a in the width direction of the lubricating oil storage member 15 are bent toward the track rail 1 in order to prevent the ball 3 from dropping as described above. A through hole 18 through which the screw 16 passes is formed in the central portion 15b in the width direction of the lubricating oil storage member 15.

[0029] In this embodiment, the lubricating oil storage member 15 is made of a non-woven fabric obtained by sintering stainless steel metal fibers. In addition, since the strength is weak only with the non-woven fabric of metal fiber, a reinforcing layer such as mesh is bonded to the non-woven fabric layer. A metal fiber nonwoven fabric was selected from the viewpoint of being able to withstand high temperatures and storing a large amount of lubricating oil with a high porosity between the fibers. If high temperature durability is not required, resin fiber nonwoven fabric (felt) may be selected. In addition to the nonwoven fabric, a porous material obtained by sintering metal powder or a porous material obtained by foaming a foam material may be used. [0030] The gap between the fibers of the nonwoven fabric is filled with lubricating oil. As the lubricating oil, grease is used for sliding surfaces. Grease is a semi-solid or solid form in which a thickening agent is dispersed in a lubricating oil (base oil). Even if it is said to be solid, base oil is only a liquid, and it is mainly base oil that contributes to lubrication. The sliding surface oil is made of mineral oil or synthetic oil. The base oil of the liquid grease or the oil for the sliding surface is vaporized, and these gases reach around the ball 3, the ball rolling groove la, and the load ball rolling groove 2a to lubricate them.

[0031] Lubricating oil storage member 15 is hermetically sealed with moving member 2, track rail 1, and a clearance seal (end clearance seal 5 and side clearance seal 6) that closes the clearance between moving member 2 and track rail 1. Arranged in space.

FIG. 5 shows the flow of vaporized lubricating oil in the sealed space. The motion guide device of this embodiment is used in a vacuum environment, specifically, a space having a lower pressure than the atmosphere. Lubricating oil is easily vaporized in a vacuum environment. The vaporized lubricating oil flows out of the lubricating oil storage member 15 and fills the sealed space. The vaporized lubricating oil drifts around the ball rolling groove la, the ball 3 and the load ball rolling groove 2a and lubricates them.

[0033] The end clearance seal 5 is provided at the end of the moving member 2 in the moving direction without contacting the track rail 1, and the side clearance seal 6 contacts the leg 4b of the moving member 2 to the track rail 1. Provided without. The reason why the end clearance seal 5 and the side clearance seal 6 are not brought into contact with the raceway rail 1 is to prevent generation of dust due to wear. The structure of the end clearance seal 5 and side clearance seal 6 will be described in detail below in order.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 1, end clearance liners 5 are attached to both end surfaces of the moving block 4 in the moving direction. The end clearance seal 5 includes a plurality of thin plate-like first and second plates 9 and 10 that are alternately stacked, and a pressing plate 11 to which the first and second plates 9 and 10 are attached. The The end clearance seal 5 is formed with openings 9a and 10a that match the outer shape of the track rail 1.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 3, when viewed from the moving direction of the moving block 4, there is a considerable gap between the moving block 4 and the track rail. Even when the end plate 7 is attached, there is a gap between the end plate 7 and the track rail 1. The end clearance seal 5 is provided to make the clearance between the end clearance seal 5 and the track rail 1 as small as possible. FIG. 6 is a front view of the motion guide device to which the end clearance seal 5 is attached. In the end clearance seal 5, openings 9 a and 10 a that match the outer shape of the track rail 1 are formed. Between the end clearance seal 5 and the track rail 1 which are larger in size than the outer shape of the track rail 1, a slight clearance 12 along the track rail 1 is vacated. For this reason, the end clearance seal 5 moves along the track rail 1 by a force S without maintaining a slight clearance without contacting the track rail 1. Details of the clearance 12 will be described later.

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the end clearance seal 5. The first plate 9 is manufactured by punching a metal (for example, stainless steel) thin plate with a press. The first plate 9 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape, and has an opening 9 a that matches the cross-sectional shape of the track rail 1 in the central portion below the first plate 9. The shape of the opening 9a is slightly larger than the cross-sectional shape of the track rail 1. Around the opening 9a of the first plate 9, a through hole 9b through which a screw 13 and the like for attaching the first plate 9 and the second plate 10 to the holding plate 11 is formed. Also, through holes 9c through which screws 14 (see FIG. 1) for attaching the end clearance seal 5 to the moving block 4 and the like are formed on both sides of the through hole 9b above the opening 9a of the first plate. . On the side surface of the first plate 9, a triangular notch 9e is formed.

[0038] The second plate 10 is also formed in a substantially rectangular shape, and an opening 10a having a shape matched to the cross-sectional shape of the track rail 1 is formed in the lower central portion. As will be described in detail later, the shape of the opening 10a of the second plate 10 is slightly larger than the shape of the opening 9a of the first plate 9. For this reason, when the first plate 9 and the second plate 10 are laminated, an uneven shape is formed in the opening. A through hole 10b through which the screw 13 and the like pass is also formed around the opening 10a of the second plate 10. The second plate 10 is also manufactured by punching a metal thin plate made of stainless steel or the like with a press. In addition, a triangular notch 10e is formed on the side surface of the second plate 10 so as to be displaced from the first plate 9 in the vertical direction, thereby assembling the first plate 9 and the second plate 10. After this, they can be distinguished from the outside.

In order to form a large number of irregularities on the end clearance seal 5, it is desirable that the first plate 9 and the second plate 10 be thinner. In order to prevent deformation when tightened with the screw 13, it is desirable that the first plate 9 and the second plate 10 have a certain thickness. . From these requirements, the thicknesses of the first plate 9 and the second plate 10 are set to about 0.2 mm, for example. Of course, any other thickness may be set according to the size of the moving block 4 and the like.

The presser plate 11 is formed to be thicker than the first and second plates 9 and 10. The presser plate 11 is also formed with an opening 11 a that matches the shape of the track rail 1. A female screw portion l ib that is screwed into the screw 13 is formed around the opening 11a. The first plate 9, the second plate 10 and the presser plate 11 are abutted against the assembly jig, and in a state where they are positioned, they are coupled by screws 13.

FIG. 8 shows the end clearance seal 5 in a laminated state. As shown in FIG. 8 (A), the shape of the opening 10 a of the second plate 10 is slightly larger than the shape of the opening 9 a of the first plate 9. For this reason, as shown in FIGS. 8C and 8D, the surface of the end clearance seal 5 facing the track rail 1 is formed in an uneven shape. In the state where the first plate 9 and the second plate 10 are stacked, the clearance between the second plate 10 and the track rail 1 is larger than the clearance α between the first plate 9 and the track rail 1. Large,

[0042] Even if a plurality of first and second plates 9 and 10 are not alternately stacked, a plurality of grooves can be formed in a single member, or an uneven shape can be formed in the end clearance seal 5. it can. However, in this case, if the number of repetitions of unevenness is increased, the processing becomes more difficult. If the processing problem can be solved, a plurality of grooves may be formed in a single member.

[0043] Here, with the end clearance seal 5 attached to the moving block 4, the clearance α between the first plate 9 and the track rail 1 is set to, for example, about 0.02-0.25 mm. . The smaller this clearance α, the greater the resistance when gas flows through the passage (that is, the vaporized lubricating oil is less likely to leak outside), so the target value for clearance is about 0.05 to 0.06 mm. Or it is desirable to set it below that. However, since track rail 1 has processing tolerances, if it is set too small, end clearance seal 5 and track rail 1 may come into contact. For this reason, in this embodiment, the clearance is about 0.02 to 0.25 mm, preferably about 0.05 to 0.15 mm (which is set and adjusted) in consideration of the tolerance of the track rail 1.

[0044] The height difference γ (step) between the first plate 9 and the second plate 10 is, in this embodiment, It is set to about 0.2 mm, for example, approximately equal to the thickness t of the first and second plates 9 and 10. The greater the height difference γ, the greater the surface area and the greater the resistance when gas flows through the passage. Of course, the thickness γ and the difference in height γ are not limited to 0.2 mm, but can be appropriately set to 0.1 mm, 0.3 mm, or the like.

The end clearance seal 5 moves without contacting the track rail 1. The clearance 12 between the inside of the end clearance seal 5 and the track rail 1 is made as small as possible, and the surface facing the track rail 1 of the end clearance seal 5 is formed in an uneven shape. . For this reason, when the vaporized lubricant flows in the passage between the end clearance seal 5 and the track rail 1, a large resistance is generated. For this reason, vaporized lubricating oil can be filled in the sealed space.

In the present embodiment, the end clearance seal 5 and the track rail 1 are not in contact with each other in order to prevent generation of worn dust. If slight dust generation is allowed, the end clearance seal 5 may be formed of an elastic material such as rubber, and the end clearance seal 5 and the track rail 1 may be brought into contact with each other. When the end clearance seal 5 and the track rail 1 are brought into contact with each other, a more complete sealed space can be obtained.

FIGS. 9 and 10 show the side clearance seal 6 attached to the moving block 4. The moving block 4 is formed in a bowl shape as a whole, and has a central portion 4a facing the upper surface of the track rail 1 and a leg portion 4b facing the side surface of the track rail 1. Side clearance seal 6 is attached to the lower end of leg 4b. The side clearance seal 6 is elongated in the moving direction of the moving block 4, and both ends of the side clearance seal 6 are in contact with the end clearance seal provided on the moving block. Therefore, the periphery of the clearance between the moving block 4 and the track rail 1 is covered with a pair of end clearance seals 5 provided at both ends of the moving block 4 and a pair of side clearance seals on the side of the moving block.

[0048] The side clearance seal 6 protrudes toward the track rail 1 and the flat plate portion 6b for attaching the side clearance seal 6 to the moving block 4, and narrows the clearance between the side clearance seal 6 and the track rail 1. And a protrusion 6a. The flat plate portion 6b is provided with a hole 6c for connecting the side clearance seal 6 to the moving block by a connecting means such as a screw 19 (see FIG. 3). The protrusion 6a is matched to the shape of the side surface of the track rail 1, and a slight gap 20 is formed between the track rail 1 and the protrusion 6a. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, a groove including a bottom 24c and side walls 24a and 24b is formed on the side surface of the track rail 1. On one side wall 24b, a lower ball rolling groove 1a is formed. The protrusion 6a approaches the bottom 24c and the side wall 24a of the groove. As shown in FIG. 11, the clearance S 1 between the protrusion 6a and the bottom 24c is smaller than the clearance S2 between the protrusion 6a and the side wall 24a. This is because the tolerance of the bottom 24c of the track rail 1 is smaller than the intersection of the side wall 24a. In this way, the portion where the tolerance of the track rail 1 is small can be set large, and the gap can be set small compared to the portion. The sizes of the clearances S1 and S2 are set to 0.02 to 0.25 mm, preferably 0.05 to 0.15 mm, as in the case of the above end clearance scenery 5.

[0050] The side clearance seal 6 may be made of resin or metal. In this embodiment, the surface 6f of the protruding portion 6a facing the track rail 1 is formed in a flat surface that is not uneven. When the side clearance seal 6 is made of resin, as shown in Fig. 10, the thickness of the resin is almost constant in each part except for the surface 6f facing the raceway rail 1 of the protrusion 6a. For this purpose, a shaving portion 6d is formed. If the resin is thick and thin, the side clearance seal 6 will be dislocated due to resin shrinkage. By providing the shaving portion 6d, it is possible to prevent the dimension of the side clearance seal 6 from shifting.

[0051] The side clearance seal 6 attached to the moving block 4 moves without contacting the track rail 1. The clearance 20 between the side clearance seal 6 and the track rail 1 is made as small as possible. For this reason, when vaporized lubricating oil flows downward along the track rail 1 through the passage 23 between the side clearance seal 6 and the track rail 1, a large resistance is generated.

The side clearance seal 6 also has a function of preventing the ball 3 from dropping from the moving block 4 when the moving block 4 is removed from the track rail 1. In order to have this function, the distance between the upper end 6e of the side clearance seal 6 and the upper end 25 of the loaded ball rolling groove 2a is smaller than the diameter of the ball 3 as shown in FIG.

In this embodiment, the side clearance seal 6 and the track rail 1 are not in contact with each other in order to prevent the generation of worn dust. If slight dust generation is allowed, the side clearance seal 6 may be formed of an elastic material such as rubber, and the side clearance seal 5 and the track rail 1 may be brought into contact with each other. More complete contact with side clearance seal 6 and track rail 1 A closed space close to is obtained.

12 to 14 show other examples of the side clearance seal. In the side clearance sleeve 31 of this example, a groove 32 is formed on the surface 31a of the side clearance seal 31 facing the track rail 1, and thereby an uneven shape is formed on the surface 31a. As shown in FIG. 13, the groove 32 extends parallel to the direction in which the side clearance seal 31 extends (the moving direction of the moving block 4). The cross-sectional shape of the groove 32 is triangular as shown in FIG. The side clearance seal 31 is the same as the side clearance seal 6 shown in FIG. 10 in that it has a flat plate portion and a protruding portion, and also has a ball holding function.

[0055] In the side clearance seal of this example, by forming an uneven shape, it is larger when the gas flows through the passage between the side clearance seal 31 and the track rail 1 than when it is formed flat. Resistance is generated.

FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 show still another example of the side clearance seal. In the side clearance seal 33 in this example, a groove 34 having a square cross section is formed on the surface 33a of the side clearance seal 33 facing the track rail 1. The cross-sectional shape of the groove 34 may be a square shape shown in this example.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to being embodied in the above embodiment, and can be variously modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, a manual lubrication method and / or a QZ lubrication method may be employed in combination with the gas lubrication method. The manual lubrication method is a method in which a grease nipple is attached to the motion guide device and grease is supplied to the ball from the grease nipple using a grease gun. The QZ lubrication method is a lubrication method based on the capillary action used in felt pens as described above. By combining these lubrication methods and gas lubrication methods, the lubrication performance can be maintained for a longer period of time.

[0058] In the above embodiment, the motion guide device is used in a vacuum environment in order to facilitate the vaporization of the lubricating oil. However, as long as the lubricating oil can be vaporized even under atmospheric pressure without being limited to the vacuum environment. Good.

[0059] Further, the motion guide device of the present invention can be applied to a ball spline, a ball screw and the like in addition to the linear guide. When applied to a ball spline, the track member is a circle. A cylindrical track shaft is used, and a cylindrical outer tube that fits the track shaft is used as the moving member. When applied to a ball screw, a screw shaft is used as the race member, and a nut fitted to the screw shaft is used as the moving member. Rollers can be used instead of balls for rolling elements.

This book is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2004-366852 filed on December 17, 2004. All this content is included here.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] a raceway member having a rolling element rolling part;

A moving member having a load rolling element rolling part facing the rolling element rolling part, and movable relative to the track member;

A plurality of rolling elements arranged between the rolling element rolling part and the load rolling element rolling part; provided in the moving member without contacting the race member; and the track member and the moving member A lubricating oil storage member that is exposed to the space between and stores the lubricating oil, and the vaporized lubricating oil reaches the rolling element rolling part, the load rolling element rolling part, and the rolling element, A motion guide device characterized by lubricating them.

[2] The motion guide device further includes:

Provided in the moving member, and provided with a clearance sheet for closing a clearance between the track member and the moving member;

2. The motion guide device according to claim 1, wherein the lubricating oil storage member is disposed in a sealed space surrounded by the track member, the moving member, and the clearance seal.

[3] The motion guide device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the lubricating oil storage member is a non-woven fabric or a porous material force.

[4] The track member is a track rail having an upper surface and a side surface,

The moving member has a central portion facing the upper surface of the track rail and a leg portion facing the side surface, and is formed in a bowl shape as a whole,

4. The motion guide device according to claim 1, wherein the lubricating oil storage member is provided between a lower surface of the central portion of the moving member and an upper surface of the track member.

[5] The clearance seal is

An end clearance seal provided at the end of the moving member in the moving direction without contacting the track member;

A side clearance seal provided on the leg portion of the moving member without contacting the track member and extending from one end portion to the other end portion in the moving direction of the moving member. The motion guide device according to claim 4, wherein:

6. The motion guide device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the motion guide device is used in a vacuum environment.

[7] A method of lubricating a motion guide device in which a rolling element is interposed between a rolling element rolling part of a race member and a load rolling element rolling part of a moving member that moves relative to the race member. And exposing a lubricating oil storage member for storing lubricating oil in a sealed space between the moving member and the track member,

A lubrication method for a motion guide device, characterized in that vaporized lubricating oil reaches the rolling element rolling part, the loaded rolling element rolling part, and the rolling element to lubricate them.